City remembers late mayor for kind heart

The marquee of the State Theater honors the late Elizabethtown mayor, Tim Walker.

Mayor Tim Walker (Source: City of Elizabethtown)

ELIZABETHTOWN, KY (WAVE) - Hours after learning about his passing the marquee at the State Theater on West Dixie Avenue in Elizabethtown already honors Mayor Tim Walker.

Walker, 54, passed away Friday morning at Hardin Memorial Hospital.

Walker started his career in the city of Elizabethtown in 1990 as a firefighter. He left that position for city council in 1997. In 2010, he was elected mayor. During his time running the city he oversaw the opening of Elizabethtown Nature Park and Sports Park.

"He is quick to tell you that was built on the work of many others over many years," explained D. Dee Shaw, the Elizabethtown City Attorney.

It's that kind and caring heart that those who knew him think will be a much bigger part of his legacy.

"What you see is what you got and he was a friend to all," explained Elizabethtown police officer Virgil Willoughby. "He had a listening ear. His door was always open. If you had a question, he was never too busy for anybody. It didn't matter who you were."

That was clearly evident looking at those who gathered at City Hall to console one another. It's not only that they lost their mayor and friend, but Shaw said she just saw him Thursday.

"He was in good spirits," said Shaw. "We were talking that he had recent weight loss. He was making some lifestyle changes in life. He had a lot of energy. He looked great. He was very happy and appeared to be very healthy so this again is a big shock for all of us."

Mayor Walker is survived by his mother, wife, six children and eight grandchildren.

The Elizabethtown City Council is in charge of finding his replacement. They have 30 days to vote for that person who will serve out the rest of the mayor's term through November 2014.

Here in the city that's home to "University-6," as the University of Louisville is identified in a federal criminal complaint filed by the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the feeling of devastation is exceeded only by anger and disbelief.

Here in the city that's home to "University-6," as the University of Louisville is identified in a federal criminal complaint filed by the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the feeling of devastation is exceeded only by anger and disbelief.